A primary focus of the meeting was the nomination and subsequent appointment of William Scott to the council. He fills the vacancy left by the resignation of a former council member. Presented by the Republican Municipal Committee as one of three candidates, Scott was elected through a roll call vote and was sworn in during the session.

In a unanimous decision, Christopher Beers was appointed as the captain of the Dunellen Police Department. The council recognized Beers for his 28 years of service and his qualifications, deeming him a suitable leader for the department.

The council also introduced three ordinances, all set for public hearings and potential adoption at the following meeting. The ordinances encompassed various facets of local governance and community wellbeing. These included a license required fee expiration for a D2 License, regulations for secondhand goods and precious metals, and a bond ordinance for sewer improvements.

The public hearing and adoption phase of the meeting saw the approval of two ordinances. The first was an amendment to the peace and good order code, adding a section on resident protection to allow for more robust measures against trespassing on private property. The second ordinance created a cap bank to manage the municipal budget and address potential increases in costs, providing a safeguard for the financial year 2024.

In infrastructure developments, the council discussed the introduction of a bond ordinance appropriating funds for Second Street improvements and a site assessment. The funds, amounting to $1,125,000, were clarified to be sourced from the capital Improvement fund.

The meeting also witnessed the resolution to hire a new captain for the Dunellen Police Department, the authorization of a new borough phone system expected to yield technological enhancements and cost savings, and the approval of a resolution for Tri Stone Capital’s tax sale redemption. The Open Air Market was supported through the authorization for the municipal clerk to administer temporary retail food establishment permits. A redevelopment agreement amendment with Chelsea Builders was approved, connected to a development project near QuickChek on North Avenue.

Efforts to revitalize certain areas of the borough were evident in the designation of a property as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The council approved a rights-of-way agreement with Comcast for the installation and maintenance of telecommunications facilities.

Council reports provided updates on community services, including the fire department’s acquisition of a new fire truck, recreational programs for youth, and library special programs. The Shade Tree Committee’s Arbor Day ceremony and the Downtown Dunellen Management Organization’s market opening were also mentioned.

The New Jersey American Water Project, Pulaski Street culvert project, and Klein Place project were reported to be progressing well. The council encouraged public participation in the multi-site cleanup of the Greenbrook and discussed the upcoming Greenbrook trash trap project. A volunteer appreciation initiative, the Dunellen volunteer picnic day, and a town hall event titled “Volunteering in Dunellen,” were announced. The council acknowledged Kelly Cedar for her excellent work on a social media campaign and detailed a collaborative tree project with the school district and the SHA Tree Commission.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, a resident brought forth a petition concerning reckless driving and excessive speed on Columbia Street, which prompted a discussion about potential remedies with law enforcement.